International Journal of Integrative Psychotherapy                    
 

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Preface to Volume 5, No. 1.  
 
 

Greetings IJIP readers 
 
 

I begin this Preface to Volume 5, No. 1 of the IJIP with a definition. 
 
in·te·grate verb \ˈin-tə-ˌgrāt\ 
 

: to combine (two or more things) to form or create something 

: to make (something) a part of another larger thing 

: to make (a person or group) part of a larger group or organization 

: as in - in·te·grat·ed or in·te·grat·ing1 
 

 

To ponder. To contemplate. To integrate.  To write.  To publish.  This is 
the accomplishment of the three authors we feature in Volume 5, No.1. of the 
IJIP.  As in the definitions above, each of these authors has skillfully combined 
two or more ideas to create an article, which is then made a part of “another 
larger thing” – the IJIP – which is part of an even “larger group” – the IIPA -  
which then invites its membership to read, ponder, contemplate and integrate 
these ideas into their own lives and work.  Indeed, a magical and miraculous 
process of integration for our writers, readers, and association.  
 

______________________ 
 
 

This volume presents a varied perspective of “integrative psychotherapy” 
through three unique formulations of ideas, personal history and clinical practice.  
 
In “Into the Labyrinth,” Pam Stocker invites us into the intimate world of her work 
as a novice therapist with a challenging client.  She openly explores her own 
process of learning - integrating ideas, theory, methods, feelings and personal 
resources, as she helps a client heal from a painful past of sexual and physical 
abuse.  This fascinating and poignant case study is a must read for any therapist, 
new or old, who has ever questioned their credentials, training and overall ability 
to meet the challenges of a particular client.  
 
Richard Erskine, in “Nonverbal Stories: The Body In Psychotherapy” shares his 

                                                        
1http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/integrate 

 



International Journal of Integrative Psychotherapy                    
 

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formulation and integration of ideas about the role of nonverbal bodywork in 
psychotherapy. He includes a description of his own experiences with a non-
verbal, body oriented technique, and like Pam Stocker, demonstrates the value 
of the therapist’s own self exploration in developing and integrating an 
understanding of the clinical needs of clients.  In keeping with the nature of 
Integrative Psychotherapy, which refers to the bringing together of the affective, 
cognitive, behavioral, and physiological systems, this article specifically highlights 
the importance of the nonverbal narrative that clients bring to us through their 
body and physiology.  
 
Finally, authors Marin, Senis, Hastie-Talledo and Backenstrass, in “A Pilot 
Method for Multimodal Group Therapy for Adults with ADHD,” present an 
integrated program for group therapy with adults with ADHD, which draws on a 
variety of theoretical constructs and clinical modalities.  Although this article does 
not formally include Integrative Psychotherapy as understood within the IIPA, it 
does challenge us to extrapolate ideas for how we may work with adults with 
ADHD within a relational, integrative context, and understand the social and 
familial implications and challenges inherent in this diagnosis.   
 
 I am pleased to note that all three of these articles exemplify the mission 
of the IJIP, which is to publish: 
 

“…..papers presenting new developments in theory and practice, 
case studies, research articles and papers that review existing work 
in the area. Specially valued are the articles that integrate 
therapists' phenomenological experience, clinical thinking, theories 
and research. The Journal is also open to new ideas in the wider 
field of psychotherapy, psychology, psychiatry and other sciences 
that may potentially be useful for the development of integrative 
psychotherapy.” 

 
How will you, our readers, integrate Volume 5?  How will you ponder, combine 
and create new perspectives about your clinical work, develop research 
protocols, or utilize these ideas in your office? How will you be personally or 
professionally touched, challenged or validated by these writers?   Do you have a 
response to one of these articles?  If so, please put that response into words.   
Do you have an article brewing in your mind?  I invite you to ponder, integrate 
and create.  I invite you to explore and write, and in that exploration, become part 
of “another larger thing” and make yourself “part of (the) larger group and 
organization” that is the IJIP and IIPA.  I look forward to hearing from you.  
 
 

Carol Merle-Fishman 
Co-Editor IJIP 

Cortlandt Manor, New York, USA 
November 2014